September is Suicide Prevention Month

TW: mention of suicide and self-harm

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Hotline at 988.

More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year. As believers, we are called to share God’s heart for people, and suicide breaks his heart.

The complex grief of suicide loss

Unfortunately, so many lives have been impacted by suicide. This type of loss is complex to grieve. Confusion, anger, guilt, sorrow and fear often coexist as someone mourns a loved one lost to suicide.

Suicide is complex and can be connected to a profound loss of hope, mental illness, trauma and other overwhelming circumstances. Sometimes depression is clinical, and sometimes it is triggered or intensified by the suffering we endure on Earth.

As Christians, we know where hope comes from. How can we help meet the needs of those experiencing suicidal thoughts and provide them with support, hope and presence as they fight?

Responding with compassion

First, we can start with the people we know. We can clearly tell them that they are safe to share anything they are going through with us. Do not simply assume they know that. Tell them. If someone comes to you with vulnerability surrounding this issue, make sure you know how you plan to respond. Many resources are available online to help you navigate your response when a loved one shares that they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or considering taking action.

Second, we can help create systemic change that alleviates suffering for vulnerable people in our communities. Affordable mental health care, insurance coverage for mental health services, veteran services and intervention programs for teenagers can all help.

Children in foster care are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide. 40% of those who age out of foster care report struggling with suicide ideation. Supporting children in foster care and young adults who are aging out is a critical way to strengthen suicide prevention efforts among a vulnerable population.

Our aging population is also at high risk. According to The Harvard Gazette, “Older adults, particularly those aged 75 and older, have the highest rates of suicide of any age group, yet a new study finds that well-known national suicide prevention organizations do not provide easily accessible resources targeting this population.”

Aging can be difficult. The loss of a spouse or friends, along with the onset of health concerns that limit a person’s independence, can all contribute to the suicide rate among older adults. Advocating for holistic senior care can help improve outcomes and positively impact this statistic.

Finally, you can become involved with organizations that directly serve those struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, as well as those grieving a loved one lost to suicide. We are called to love those around us, and we are called to care for those we do not yet know.

The Church’s role in suicide prevention

Although this topic can be intimidating, it is crucial that we learn how to serve those who are hurting. Learning to sit with discomfort for the sake of someone else is a critical skill every Christian should develop.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” — Colossians 3:12

Learn more about how you can become involved with supporting children in foster care, youth aging out of foster care, or seniors.